Fast Fabulous Half Square Triangles (HST)
Make Half Square Triangles
that are fool proof
Half square triangles make me happy. Their simplicity in a quilt is so pretty and calming. Plus, they can be arranged in a multitude of ways. This offers so many options for quilt patterns when using half square triangles!
As a quick side note, I want to introduce common quilt language. HST. These three little letters are for Half Square Triangle. Sometimes you’ll see HSTs, this is the plural of half square triangles.
The Method for HSTs
The method I use is simple and easy to follow. Before you know it, you will be a HST machine!
This post is divided into two sections.
- How to create the HSTs
- How to get the HSTs size you need
I will explain the size of square you will need after I explain how to make HSTs. I think it is easier to first learn the method of an HST and then show you how to adjust the size.
HST is the abbreviation for Half Square Triangle
quick tip
Tools
- Cutting Mat
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Rotary Cutter
- Sewing Machine
Step 1: let’s get started!
These are finished examples of HSTs. (photo below)
One of the fastest ways to make the half square triangles is using squares.
- Cut all the squares the same size. They should be 1/2 inch larger than what you want for your finished HST. (My squares are 5 inches because I want my finished HST to be 4.5)
- Make one group of squares that are light in color. I used a fabric with a white and very light pink.
- Make one group of squares that are contrasting in color. I used a colorful pink floral print.
Tip: If you want to know how to cut your squares, check out this post.
How to mark a diagonal line
Just lay the ruler diagonally across a square from corner to corner. And draw a line with a pencil. (See photos below)
On the left, a square that contrasts in color.
On the right, a square is marked with a diagonal line on the wrong side of fabric.
Make two piles.
- One pile, mark all your squares, put them in a group.
- Second pile, make a group of the contrasting squares.
Step 2:
Take one square from each group. Take one light square and one colorful square. Then place the squares with their good sides facing each other. Line up the edges so that it is nice and neat. Get ready to sew.
Use the pencil line as your guide and sew along each side of the line. Sew approximately 1/4inch or the width of your presser foot. If you can sew a scant of ¼ inch even better!
See the photos below for visual idea:)
Lay the squares good side to good side.
A scant means slightly less.
Step 3: Get read to Slice
Did you sew along both sides of the diagonal line? Great! Now grab your rotary cutter and your ruler. Line the ruler along the diagonal line and slice. You are cutting in between the stitches.
Open it up and you will see to beautiful half square triangles. They should look like the example in the photo below.
Step 4: Press & Trim
Gently press open your HST. Press the seam toward the darker fabric.
If you want to know more about ironing seams, click here.
Lay your pressed HST on the mat. Lay it so that it is positioned evenly on the grid. See the photo below for a visual.
Next, using your ruler, trim each side of the square to your desired size.
For example, if your square is 5 inches and you desire a 4.5 inch square, trim 1/4 from each side of the square.
Why each side? It gives a more even appearance to the square. Many people cut just 2 sides of the square but I prefer a balanced cut.
That’s it! The next step is to attach the squares to each other and start making your quilt. Go row by row. It will be easier;)
Wishing you a great day!
From Rome with joy,
Rachel
Mini-Bio🙂
Hello! I’m Rachel with Gioia Mia Studio in Rome, Italy. (pronounced joy-yah)
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How’s it going making your HSTs?